The 2014 Mapleton Rodeo is set to go and will run from July 4 to 6.
The event opens next Friday night with a family barbecue dinner and live entertainment under the outdoor tent.
Corey Dobben of the Drayton Kinsmen Club, which co-hosts the event with the Moorefield Optimists, said Friday night’s fun will include an amateur rodeo.
In response to input following last year’s event, Dobben says the clubs have added more children’s activities to the 2014 rodeo weekend.
“We’re going to be bringing in a petting zoo and pony rides and more of that type of thing.”
Last year, the rodeo drew an estimated 4,000 to 5,000 spectators and showed a profit of about $8,000.
Dobben says organizers have put that money back into this year’s event.
“We’re hopeful for more profits that we can throw back into the community this year,” he said.
Friday night’s entertainment will include performances by Randy Smart, a solo acoustic act, and singer/songwriter Sarah Smith. A London native, Smith has earned national recognition with her rock band, The Joys, which has achieved certified gold status in Canada.
In addition to the New Holland Elite Rodeo, Saturday’s events will include a parade, an arm wrestling competition, karate demonstrations and children’s activities.
Popular local band Loose Change will headline a Saturday night concert, with opening act Biggy and the Hostiles.
The event continues on Sunday with a cowboy breakfast, children’s activities and more action in the rodeo ring.
For more information go to mapletonrodeo.ca.
